Day 22 - Aberdeen to Shetland- 29 September 2024

 

Day 22 - Aberdeen - 29 September 2024

Today we will look at old Aberdeen and decided to start with St Machar’s Cathedral.  When we arrived there was a service underway and so we needed to wait until it had finished.  We walked around and found a Seaton Park is next door.  That is something else that was recommended by the Visitor’s Centre and so off we went.

It is a large park with many areas of interest. We first walked to Wallace Tower which is a 16^th century house that had been moved into the park to allow the construction of a Marks and Spencers store.  At least it was not demolished. 

On the way we saw a “motte”.  We had no idea what a motte is and apparently it is a fortification with timber upper sections. That style was introduced to Scotland in the 12^th century. However, archaeological investigations have found that it was a defensive site in the second century and prior to that, it was a burial ground.  The history is just amazing.

The Motte

As we walked to the tower, we noticed that the trees along the edge of the path had originally been planted too close together and also too close to the rock wall.  It resulted in an interesting picture.

Look at those trees.

When we eventually reached the tower, it found that it is under renovations and it seems that some foundation work is being done. Anyway, it was closed.  Seems to be a bit of a theme going on here.

The tower

We headed to the river. It is very pretty and the morning light reflected beautifully off the rapids.  Apparently, there is a a resident otter but he was not swimming when we were there.

Crystal clear water

Beautiful

Interestingly, when a tree is blown over or collapses, it is left there. One fell across the path and was left there. The path now goes around the tree.  It has been there a long time as new growth is coming from the trunk and growing vertically.

We found the fountain which was erected in memory of the last Laird of Seaton who died in 1982.

A nice memorial fountain

The plaque

We then returned to the cathedral along a different path that took us through the centre of the park and the flower gardens.  They are spectacular, particularly as this is autumn.  The colour is so vibrant and the gardens are superbly kept. I imagine that they are very popular with local workers during their lunch break.  It is very relaxing just walking through them.

These are so well maintained

A beautiful garden

Then we returned to the cathedral and the service had concluded. We spent quite a while talking to one of the congregation members.  He said that because the cathedral is so close to the university, they do not have a specified parish. People from all around Aberdeen attend services. He travels 25 miles to attend each day.

I asked him how the congregation and minister viewed tourists looking at the cathedral because I have always wondered that. He said that everybody is very supportive. They think that the building is special and are very keen to share it. I was happy to hear that.

The cathedral is quite spectacular.  Historical investigations indicate that the first church at this site was established in 580 AD.  That is a long time ago. In 1131, a new church was constructed.  It required extensive restoration in the1200s when it was also extended.  In 1330, it was made a cthedral.

The chancel was demolished in 1560 during the Scottish Reformation and the bells and lead from the roof were then sent to Holland to be sold. However, the ship sank near Girdle Ness. Durin a storm in 1688, the central tower and spire collapsed. That destroyed the choir and transepts. The west arch of the crossing was then filled in, and worship carried on in the nave only; the current church consists only of the nave and aisles of the earlier building.  It seems that a lot of bad things happened a long time ago.

St Machar's Cathedral

What an amazing place

Coasts of arms on the ceiling

A great looming church

Then it was time to head to the ferry terminal for our overnight trip to The Shetland Islands.  We had no idea of how the system worked and the instructions say to arrive at least an hour before departure.  Boarding starts at that time and so we arrived a bit earlier.  Little did we know that because Lerwick is the last stop, we would be the last to be loaded. After a wait of one and a half hours, we drove onto the ferry.

The Ferry

The cafe and bar

Our cabin

The lounge

We had booked a cabin and it was really great.  They provided everything that was needed for an overnight trip.  The shower was good and generally, the service was excellent.  The restaurant was a factory line but there are few options when hundreds of meals are required t the same time.

We had a great time on the ferry and it was not noisy at all.  The weather was perfect and the sea was so calm. We all got a good night's sleep. Lerwick tomorrow!